ZOOMING IN ON MISSION 1:8

ALL CAMPUSESHighPoint Bible StudyEvery Wed @ 11:30a — 1010 Lamar (tunnel level)HighPoint meets at our Downtown Campus with lunch beginning at 11:30a for $8, and Bible study taking place from 12:10-12:40p. On Jan 22, Executive Pastor David Self looks at “Will 2014 Be Any Different Financially?” CONTACT [email protected]

First Place 4 Health OrientationSun, Jan 26 @ 2:30p — The Loop (Harbor Rm)Discover a new way to healthy living with First Place 4 Health! This weight loss and healthy living ministry will hold its Winter Orientation after the Fitness Expo. Orientation attendance is required for new members wanting to participate in a FP4H group. Learn more at FirstPlace4Health.com.CONTACT [email protected]

Midnight MadnessFri, Jan 31 @ 5:30p-Midnight — The LoopCurrent and prospective Life Bible Study leaders from each campus will gather for this annual equipping event for great training, inspiring vision, fantastic giveaways, interactive fun -- and food, of course! Register at HoustonsFirst.org/Events.CONTACT [email protected]

WoMENLiving Proof with Beth MooreEvery Tue, Jan 21-Mar 4 @ 6:30-8:30p — Worship CenterWomen of all ages are invited to this citywide Bible study led by Beth Moore with worship led by Stephen & Star Smith and others. Beth will teach a new series called Breath: The Life of God In Us. The Cafe opens for dinner at 4:45p and carpooling is greatly encouraged.CONTACT [email protected]

The LoopFitness ExpoSun, Jan 26 @ 12:30-2:30p — Fitness & Rec CenterSee what the Fitness Center has to offer at this Expo showcasing their facilities, health screenings, chair massages, kids’ programs, and more! Bring workout clothes and join in on class demos, too. Food provided for the first 400 people, and you can win an iPad, too! CONTACT [email protected]

CypressCypress Campus Call to PrayerToday, Jan 19 @ 5-6:30p — Foundry ChurchJoin us for what will be a milestone in the life of the Cypress Campus. We’ll gather at the Foundry Church (10203 Fry Road) for a time of prayer for our staff, ministry teams, church family, the future of our campus (land and building), and for impact in our community. Childcare available for birth-3 years old at the Ministry Center from 4:30-7:00p. No registration required!CONTACT [email protected]

PLACEFeb 7-8 — Ministry Center PLACE is an intentional process to connect church members into purpose-driven ministry. Through the PLACE process, you’ll discover that God has created and gifted you with a unique capacity to serve others. Register at HoustonsFirst.org/Cypress for this class on Friday evening (7-9p) and Saturday morning (8:30a-Noon). CONTACT [email protected]

Make It Your Church OrientationSun, Feb 9 @ 5-7p — Ministry Center Enjoy dinner with Pastor Jason and the Cypress Campus staff while you learn more about what it means to be a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church! Registration is required for attendance and childcare. Register at the Opportunities Table or at HoustonsFirst.org/Cypress. CONTACT [email protected]

DowntowNThe Roots of the IssueSat, Jan 25 @ 8:30a — First Presbyterian ChurchFree the Captives, a non-profit organization, hosts this one-day conference promoting awareness and action on human trafficking. Speakers include leaders from local organizations fighting human trafficking as well as national leaders. Located at 5300 Main Street. Online registration ends today, Jan 19, at FreeTheCaptivesHouston.com.

Members’ MeetingSun, Jan 26 @ 2-3:30p — 1010 LamarMembers of Houston’s First who attend the Downtown Campus are invited to go to lunch then come back to hear more about how God is moving in the life of the Downtown Campus! Childcare is available by registering in advance with [email protected]. CONTACT [email protected]

SiennaSan Francisco Mission Trip Mar 15-22 Members at the Sienna Campus are headed to the City by the Bay in March to serve with our MISSION 1:8 partner churches. Only 10 spots are available, and the cost is $1,200 per person (not including food). CONTACT [email protected]

WOMENRuth...Loss, Love, & LegacyBegins Thu, Jan 23 @ 9:30-11:30a — 4309 Sienna PkwyOur own Laura Seifert will lead this Bible study for women focusing on the life of Ruth. The study begins on Thu, Jan 23, and will continue for 7 weeks. The $20 class fee includes a workbook. Registration for the class and childcare at HoustonsFirst.org/Sienna.CONTACT Kathy Pfoff, [email protected]

Living Proof with Beth MooreEvery Tue, Jan 21-Mar 4 @ 6:30-8:30p — The Loop CampusWomen from the Sienna Campus are getting together for Beth Moore’s new 7-week series at The Loop — Breath: The Life of God In Us. Contact Susan Barnett to learn about our plans, and visit HoustonsFirst.org/Sienna for more about the study. CONTACT [email protected]

Sundays at Houston’s FirstThe Loop Campus7401 Katy Fwy • Houston, TX 77024 Worship 9:15a • 11a • 5:30pLife Bible Studies 8a • 9:15a • 10:45a • 4:15p • 6:45p

Cypress Campus10300 Warner Smith Blvd • Cypress, TX 77433Worship 11aLife Bible Studies 9:30a

Downtown Campus1010 Lamar St • Houston, TX 77002Worship 11aLife Bible Studies 9:30a

Sienna Campus4309 Sienna Pkwy • Missouri City, TX 77459Worship 9:30a • 11aLife Bible Studies 9:30a • 11a

Jan 19, 2014

TWEET OF THE WEEK: “Blessed to be a small part in God’s grand plan @HoustonsFirst #ilovemychurch #mission18” — Dora Pop, @dorapop

Houston’s First Baptist Church is a relevant, biblical community where we gather our hearts, grow our souls and give our lives as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission.

Nov 2013-Jan 2014Through the World Mission Offering, our church supports Southern Baptist missionaries serving with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, the North American Mission Board, and the International Mission Board. Learn more and contribute at HoustonsFirst.org/WorldMissionOffering.

World Mission Offering

Giving Life AwayEvangelism TrainingEvery Sun thru Mar 9 @ 4:15-5:30p — The Loop (Harbor Rm)Learn how to share the Gospel with those around you through XEE — a lifestyle witness training for a postmodern culture. XEE equips believers to articulate the Gospel conversationally within the context of relationships. Childcare is provided. CONTACT [email protected]

Every Wed thru May 14 — The LoopFind full schedule at HoustonsFirst.org/MidLink.

CHURCHWIDEMidLink Cafe @ 4:45-6:30p — Fellowship CtrThe Link (Adult Bible Study) @ 6:30-7:30p Garden Rm (begins Jan 15)Palabras de Vida: Words of Life (Adult Spanish Bible Study) @ 7-8:30p Rm 145 (begins Jan 15)Milestones classes @ various times and locations

WORSHIP/MUSICSingers @ 7-8:30p — Rm 337 Worship Choir @ 7-8:30p — Rehearsal Hall (begins Jan 22)Worship Orchestra @ 7-8:30p — Worship Center (begins Jan 22)

FITNESS TRX @ 5-5:45p — Rm 274Boot Camp @ 5:45-6:45p — Rm 270Zumba @ 6-7p — Rm 274

PRESCHOOLThru the Roof - Special Needs @ 5:45-8:30p — Rm 324 & 326Wee Worship (Babies-1s) @ 6-7p — Preschool SuiteW.O.W. (Worship Our Way) (2s & 3s) @ 6-7p — Preschool SuiteHigh 5 Kids’ Choir (4 yrs-K) @ 6-7p — Rm 303 (Clubhouse)Mission Friends (Birth-K) @ 7-8p — Preschool Suite

CHILDRENThru the Roof - Special Needs @ 5:45-8:30p — Rm 324 & 326High 5 Kids’ Choir (1st-5th Grade) @ 6-7p — Rm 301 (Loft)Breakout (1st-3rd Grade) @ 7-8:30p — Fitness & Rec CtrFriction (4th-5th Grade) @ 7-8:30p — Rm 325

MIDDLE SCHOOLWired @ 6:30-8p — Rm 364

HIGH SCHOOLAMP @ 7-8:30p — Rm 363

City on a Hill Church721 Washington St.Brookline, MA

Redeemer Fellowship Church111 Mount Auburn StreetWatertown, MA 02472

Metropolitan New York Baptist Association236 W. 72nd St.NY, NY 10023

Embark Church795 Main StreetWorcester, MA 01610

First Baptist Church in theCity of New York265 West 79th Street at BroadwayNY, NY 10024

The MovementMills College (Lisser Hall) 5000 MacArthur BlvdOakland, CA 94613

Christ the King Church11 South Angell St., #320 Providence, RI 02906

The Journey ChurchUnited Artists Theater2626 Hylan BlvdStaten Island, NY 10306

Epic Church543 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94105

ZOOMING IN ON MISSION 1:8When we talk about our MISSION 1:8 partner churches, we refer to them being in huge places — New England, New York City, San Francisco. But when you zoom in, you’re reminded that each one is in a small neighborhood with houses and schools, coffee shops and grocery stores. Take a closer look at these partners in our nation. Pray for them to shine with Christ’s truth and love in their communities.

MISSION TRIPS TO OUR NATION

Work or vacation plans not taking you to

MISSION 1:8 cities this year? A mission trip

with Houston’s First is a great way to get

there and work directly with our partners.

Visit HoustonsFirst.org/Missions to complete

the Mission Trip Interest Form and learn

more about these trips to MISSION 1:8 cities

and other destinations:

San Francisco/Oakland, CAMar 15-22

New York City, NY — Rushmore (Students)Jul 12-18

Providence, RIJul 12-19

Panama City Beach, FL — Rush Week (Students)Jul 19-26

New York City, NYEarly August

MontanaAug 13-19

Boston, MAAug 30-Sep 4

New York City, NYOct 11-18

20,000 churches must be planted in NYC to reach the “church-per-person” ratio of a southern state

NEW YORK CITY

NEW ENGLAND

SAN FRANCISCO

Only 2% of Boston residents attend

evangelical churches

60.8% unaffiliated with any religious body

Life Bible Studies on Sunday are the primary method for connecting with others and growing together at Houston’s First. Go deeper into God’s Word, relate in a way that builds community, and experience the Bible as relevant to your life. Visit HoustonsFirst.org to find one that’s right for you, or ask the Welcome Team at your campus for assistance.

Life Bible Studies

Redeemer Fellowship Church (Watertown, MA) — Pastor Chris Bass• Connecting with young families in area about 8 miles west of downtown Boston• Remodeled a dilapidated space into a new Kids’ Discovery Land• Added a new projector and screen to sanctuary to enhance worship experience

City on a Hill Church (Brookline, MA) — Pastor Bland Mason• Reaching people in area about 4 miles southwest of downtown Boston• Multiplied the number of community groups around the city• Began a ministry with the Brookline Housing Authority

The Journey (Staten Island) — Pastor Nick Mustakas• Hosted their first monthly pre-launch service on Sun, Sep 15• Grand Opening scheduled for Sun, Feb 9

The Bridge Church (Brooklyn) — Pastor James Roberson• Currently building a core team with plans to launch community groups this summer • Recent cafe outreach event drew 120 people

Epic Church (San Francisco) — Pastor Ben Pilgreen• Expanding to three worship services on Sun, Jan 26• Seeking to raise $80,000 by Jan 31 to support ministries in San Francisco, Denver, Quebec, and Uganda

Embark Church (Worcester, MA) — Pastor T.J. Weaver• Ministering to a city about 45 miles west of Boston• Moving to larger location in February due to numerical growth• Hosting LifeTree Cafe events at local venue as an outreach to community

Christ the King Church (Providence, RI) — Pastor Derek Bass• Reaching people in the capital of Rhode Island• Currently hosting a monthly preview service (next one on Sun, Feb 9)• Launch Team meets on non-preview service Sundays

First Baptist Church of the City of New York (Manhattan) — Pastor Matthew Hoskinson• Conducted a workshop to equip professionals for overseas mission work• Hosted a classical Christmas concert attended by hundreds of non-believers

theMOVEMENT (Oakland) — Pastor Edward Paz• Launched on Sun, Sep 15, on the campus of Mills College

During the lead up to MISSION 1:8, we were studying Amos in the Crosstalk Life Bible Study at The Loop. As we discussed the fall of the Northern Kingdom, a parallel was drawn to Rhode Island. That’s where the first Baptist church in America was started, but now the IMB considers it an unreached people group. We talked about the church plant we’re partnering with up there — Christ the King Church — and the wonderful opportunity to take back that area for Christ. Two days later, I received a call at work requesting me to go to that area to resolve a business issue. I saw this as an opportunity to reach out to this pastor, so I connected with him. I told him that I was a lay person from Houston’s First, would be in the area soon, and would like to take him to lunch if he would be up for it. (We all know about preachers and free lunches!) Before I left, I met with my class and passed around a card, each person writing their own personal words of encouragement.

I met Pastor Derek Bass at an Italian restaurant in Providence. He told me that he was looking for property for his church, and that he is working with a launch team to prepare them for what lies ahead. I gave him the card and told him that it was for not only

him but his team. I wanted to impress on him that there were people in Houston that want to see this thing succeed. We

shared a lot about our views on evangelism, and we promised to stay in touch. We then had a

time of prayer.

On a later trip to Providence, I helped with door hangers promoting an event Christ the King Church was hosting. I also had the opportunity to sit and meet with the launch

team.

Like the first time, I brought with me a card signed by the Crosstalk Life Bible Study, as well as a

copy of Church Rules by David Self. This time, I was also able to bring along a video greeting from Pastor Gregg!

I had never been on a mission trip before, but I walked out of that initial meeting with Pastor Derek knowing that there was opportunity there, and I have spent a lot of time in prayer seeking guidance on how best to support this church plant. I am looking forward to my next opportunity to work with Christ the King Church!

Mike StrittmatterThe Loop Campus

I have been conducting business in New York City for the last 20 years. I know how rough the city is and the extent of the darkness there. God has blessed me with the gift of exhortation, and a ministry of working with men, young or old. So, it was a natural thing for me to reach out to the men of God leading our MISSION 1:8 partner churches, to get to know them personally, and to understand their challenges and how to pray for them.

I have enjoyed connecting with Matthew Hoskinson at First Baptist Church in Manhattan and Nick Mustakas at the Journey Church plant in Staten Island. On our mission trip to New York City last fall, I had the opportunity to meet James Roberson from The Bridge Church in Brooklyn, so I look forward to knowing him more, too.

When I’m in New York City, I typically plan breakfast with these guys. Jo Ellen and I had the opportunity to meet Matthew’s wife

and children at worship one Sunday. As Nick spends more time in Staten Island leading up to the Journey Church’s launch,

I expect our time together physically will be less. Now that he is in Staten Island, we connect by

texting, email and telephone. He also has a 3-month old so he has a ton of new things going on in his life, but God has called a high-energy and enthusiastic servant who is staying the course.

I am encouraged and get excited whenever I see God at work. These partners are on the

front lines, where the action is. I know the challenges, but these people are living through the

challenges and trusting God — it’s very faith stretching! I am blessed when I can encourage others in whatever way or context, because I see their gracious hearts.

Jo Ellen and Bob DietzThe Loop Campus

OUR NATION A PROVIDENTIAL CONNECTION MIXING BUSINESS AND MINISTRY

NEW ENGLAND NEW YORK CITY SAN FRANCISCO

Through MISSION 1:8, Houston’s First will invest $2,250,000 through

partnerships with other churches and ministries to extend God’s

kingdom in three strategic regions across the United States — New

England, New York City, and San Francisco.

Total invested in OUR NATION(March 1-December 31, 2013)

$866,476

A recent study by George Barna identified the most and

least Bible-minded cities in America. The cities MISSION

1:8 targets ranked at the bottom of the list. Out of 96

metropolitan areas, New York City ranked 85th, San

Francisco/Oakland was 90th, Boston ranked 91st, and

Providence, RI, was 96th. (Knoxville, TN, was number 1

and Houston was number 39.)

Continue to pray for the churches and ministries we’re

supporting through MISSION 1:8 in these historic and

influential cities as they share the love and truth of Jesus

Christ. God is moving in each of these cities! Lives are

changing and His kingdom is expanding thanks in part to

your prayers, your mission trips, and your contributions

to MISSION 1:8.

TRAVELLING FOR WORK OR FUN?BE A MISSION 1:8 PARTNER!When you are travelling on business or vacation to one of our MISSION 1:8 cities, we encourage you to partner as scheduling permits. You don’t have to go on an official mission trip with Houston’s First to make an impact on these strategic locations.

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Email Jerrell Altic, Minister of Mobilization, at [email protected] and make him aware of your desire to participate as a partner. Some planning and security logistics may need to be considered depending on the location.Note that the schedule of our partners will determine their time and availability to meet with you.The Missions Office will recommend the best way to contact our partners.Use the Google Maps link for prayer walking and locations (where available).

MISSION 1:8 is a two-year initiative from Mar 2013-Feb 2015 that will expand our financial generosity to support our current ministry and multiply our missional endeavors to the poor, widows, orphans, and prisoners, and to our city, our nation, and our world. Learn more at HoustonsFirst.org/MISSION18.

STEPS BEFORE YOUR TRIP

PARTNERS

••••••••

Prayer walks in the cityAttend a service, Bible study, outreach or mealResist the temptation to compareTeam up with them in their contextNeed — ask them what they needEncourage them in their missionReport back to the Missions OfficeServe as long as you can

Providence, Rhode Island

STAY CONNECTED TO MISSION 1:8 Want updates on MISSION 1:8 missional endeavors — opportunities to serve, prayer requests, or reports from the field? On social media, look for the #MISSION18 hashtag. To receive related text messages, subscribe to the MISSION 1:8 text alerts by texting “MISSION18” to 41411.

ZOOMING IN ON MISSION 1:8

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